US20090147470A1 - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents
Electronic apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090147470A1 US20090147470A1 US12/390,277 US39027709A US2009147470A1 US 20090147470 A1 US20090147470 A1 US 20090147470A1 US 39027709 A US39027709 A US 39027709A US 2009147470 A1 US2009147470 A1 US 2009147470A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- button
- arm
- switch
- housing
- center
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H13/00—Switches having rectilinearly-movable operating part or parts adapted for pushing or pulling in one direction only, e.g. push-button switch
- H01H13/02—Details
- H01H13/12—Movable parts; Contacts mounted thereon
- H01H13/14—Operating parts, e.g. push-button
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1615—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function
- G06F1/1616—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with several enclosures having relative motions, each enclosure supporting at least one I/O or computing function with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
- G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
- G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
- G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
- G06F1/169—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675 the I/O peripheral being an integrated pointing device, e.g. trackball in the palm rest area, mini-joystick integrated between keyboard keys, touch pads or touch stripes
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
- H01H2217/00—Facilitation of operation; Human engineering
- H01H2217/01—Off centre actuation
Definitions
- One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic apparatus, for example, such as an electronic apparatus, which includes a button opposed to a switch.
- Electronic apparatuses such as portable computers are provided with push buttons including a power switch button and a click button.
- the push buttons are arranged in openings of an outer wall of the housing and can be depressed with the fingertips or the like.
- An electronic apparatus that has push buttons arranged in a small space is disclosed in, for example, Jpn. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-259537.
- This electronic apparatus has a housing, push buttons and click switches.
- the housing has a wall having an opening.
- Each push button has a button body and two arms.
- the arm has one end supported on the rim of the opening.
- the arm supports, at the other end, the button body, allowing the same to move.
- the button body and the arms overlap each other, reducing the space in which the push buttons are arranged.
- the click switches are arranged, each below the associated button body. Each click switch operates upon when it touches the lower surface of the button body as the user pushes the button body.
- the user does not always push the center part of a button body. He or she may often push an edge part of the button body, which lies remote from the center of the button body. Remote from that portion of the button body that is coupled to the arm, the edge part of the button body acts like the distal end of a so-called cantilever. Therefore, the edge part is moved down more than any other part of the button body. The center part of the button body is moved down, too, but little.
- the center part of the button body may not be moved down much enough to contact the click switch when the user pushes the edge part of the button body. In other words, each click switch may not operate when the user pushes the circumferential edge of the button body.
- FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a portable computer according to a first embodiment of this invention
- FIG. 2 is an exemplary plan view of the portable computer according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded view showing the touch-pad buttons used in the first embodiment, which have been removed from the housing of the portable computer;
- FIG. 4 is an exemplary plan view of the touch-pad unit used in the first embodiment
- FIG. 5 is an exemplary sectional view of the portable computer according to the first embodiment
- FIG. 6 is an exemplary sectional view schematically depicting one of the button switches used in the first embodiment
- FIG. 7 is an exemplary sectional view showing a button switch pushed at an edge part of the button body in the first embodiment
- FIG. 8 is an exemplary sectional view showing a button switch pushed at the center part of the button body in the first embodiment
- FIG. 9 is an exemplary plan view of a portable computer according to a second embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 10 is an exemplary plan view of a portable computer according to a third embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 11 is an exemplary sectional view of a switch that lies at the center of the button body.
- an electronic apparatus in general, includes a housing and a button.
- the housing contains a switch.
- the button is arranged in the housing, opposed to the switch and configured to operate the switch.
- the switch is positioned off a center of the button.
- FIGS. 1 to 8 show a potable computer 1 , as an electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of this invention.
- FIG. 1 shows the portable computer 1 .
- the portable computer 1 includes a main unit 2 and a display unit 3 .
- the main unit 2 includes a base 5 and a cover 6 .
- the cover 6 is secured to the base 5 from above.
- the base 5 and the cover 6 constitute a box-shaped housing 7 .
- the main unit 2 includes this housing 7 .
- the housing 7 includes a top wall 7 a, a front wall 7 b, a left wall 7 c, a right wall 7 d, a rear wall 7 e, and a bottom wall (not shown).
- the top wall 7 a supports a keyboard 8 .
- the top wall 7 a is an example of an outer wall.
- the display unit 3 includes a display housing 9 and a liquid crystal display panel 10 which is contained in the display housing 9 .
- the display housing 9 includes an opening 9 a in the front.
- the liquid display panel 10 includes a display screen 10 a .
- the display screen 10 a is exposed outside the display housing 9 through the opening 9 a.
- a hinge device couples the display unit 3 to the rear edge of the housing 7 .
- the display unit 3 can rotated between a closed position and an opened position. At the closed position, the display unit 3 lies, covering the top wall 7 a from above. At the opened position, the display unit 3 stands, exposing the top wall 7 a.
- the top wall 7 a includes a palm rest 12 .
- the palm rest 12 lies in front of the keyboard 8 and extends in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 .
- the top wall 7 a includes a touch-pad holder section 13 , which is located in front of the keyboard 8 and half way between the left wall 7 c and the right wall 7 d.
- FIG. 3 shows the cover 6 turned upside down and illustrates the interior o the housing 7 .
- the cover includes a first opening 14 and a second opening 15 .
- the touch-pad holder section 13 includes a left button mounting section 16 a, a right button mounting section 16 b, and a position-adjusting boss 17 .
- the first and second openings 14 and 15 are made in the top wall 7 a and open to the outside the housing 7 .
- the left button mounting section 16 a includes a first support projection 20 and a second support projection 21 .
- the right button mounting section 16 b includes a first support projection 20 and a second support projection 21 .
- Each of the support projections 20 is an example of an arm-support, and each of the support projections 21 is an example of another arm-support.
- the first support projections 20 and the second support projections 21 are provided in the housing 7 .
- the projections 20 and 21 protrude inwards from the inner surface of the top wall 7 a. They are made of, for example, resin, and are integrally formed with the housing 7 .
- the first support projection 20 of the left button mounting section 16 a is located on the left side of the second opening 15 .
- the second support projection 21 of the left button mounting section 16 a is located in front of the second opening 15 .
- the first support projection 20 of the right button mounting section 16 b is located on the right side of the second opening 15 .
- the second support projection 21 of the right button mounting section 16 b is located in front of the second opening 15 . That is, each of the second support projections 21 of the left and right button mounting sections 16 a, 16 b is arranged in a direction crossing, for example at right angels to, the direction in which the first support projection 20 is spaced from the second opening 15 .
- the position-adjusting boss 17 lies between the second support projection 21 of the left button mounting section 16 a and the second support projection 21 of the right button mounting section 16 b.
- the boss 17 protrudes in the housing 7 from the inner surface of the top wall 7 a.
- the housing 7 contains a touch-pad unit 22 , which is held by the touch-pad holder section 13 .
- the touch-pad unit 22 includes a touch-pad body 23 , a left tough-pad button 24 a, a right touch-pad button 24 b, a left click switch 25 a, a right click switch 25 b, a first circuit board 26 , and a second circuit board 27 .
- the touch-pad body 23 is a pointing device that is operated to move the cursor displayed on, for example, the screen 10 a of the display unit 3 . As seen from FIG. 4 , the touch-pad body 23 is arranged below, and aligned with, the first opening 14 of the top wall 7 a. Thus, the touch-pad body 23 is therefore exposed outside the housing 7 , through the first opening 14 . The user can therefore operate the touch-pad body 23 from outside the housing 7 .
- Each of the left touch-pad button 24 a and the right touch-pad button 24 b is an example of push button.
- the left touch-pad button 24 a (hereinafter referred to as left button 24 a ) is pushed to operate the left click switch 25 a (hereinafter referred to as left switch 25 a ).
- the right touch-pad button 24 b (hereinafter referred to as right button 24 b ) is pushed to operate the right click switch 25 b (hereinafter referred to as right switch 25 b ).
- the left and right switches 25 a and 25 b are operated to, for example, execute and cancel commands.
- buttons 24 a and 24 b include a button body 31 , a first arm 32 and a second arm 33 each.
- the button body 31 and the first and second arms 32 and 33 are integrally formed, made of, for example, resin material, and are elastic.
- each button body 31 includes a top wall 31 a and sidewall 31 b that extends inwardly from the edge of the top wall 31 a.
- the button body 31 includes a recess that opens to the interior of the housing 7 .
- the button bodies 31 of the left and right buttons 24 a and 24 b are inserted in the second opening 15 , with their edges extending along an inner peripheral surface of the second opening 15 .
- the top wall 31 a of each button body 31 is therefore exposed outside the housing 7 through the second opening 15 .
- a pushing projection 31 c is provided on the inner surface of the top wall 31 a of each button body 31 .
- the pushing projection 31 c is shaped like a cross and protrudes inwardly in the housing 7 .
- the pushing projection 31 c of the left button 24 a shifts distance s 1 toward the right wall 7 d from the center A of the button body 31 in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 , and shifts distance s 2 toward the rear wall 7 e from the center A in the depth direction of the housing 7 .
- the pushing projection 31 c of the right button 24 b shifts distance s 1 toward the left wall 7 c from the center A in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 , and shifts distance s 2 toward the rear wall 7 e from the center A in the depth direction of the housing 7 .
- the first arms 32 and the second arms 33 will be described.
- the arms 32 and 33 are examples of support parts that are supported by the housing 7 . Only the first and second arms 32 and 33 of the left button 24 a will be described here. Note that the first and second arms 32 and 33 of the right button 24 b differ from those of the left button 24 a, only in that they are laterally inverted in position. Note that the components of the right button 24 b are designated at the same reference numbers as those of the left button 24 a.
- the first arm 32 includes a first member 32 a and a second member 32 b .
- the first member 32 a of the left button 24 a extends from the left-rear part of the button body 31 toward the left wall 7 c.
- the distal part of the first member 32 a is bent toward the front wall 7 b.
- the second member 32 b of the left button 24 a extends from the left-front part of the button body 31 toward the left wall 7 c.
- the distal part of the second member 32 b is bent toward the rear wall 7 e.
- the first member 32 a and the second member 32 b are coupled at their distal ends.
- the junction between the first and second members 32 a and 32 b is a first fastening part 32 c.
- the first fastening part 32 c is a little thicker than the first and second members 32 a and 32 b and includes a first through hole 32 d in its center part.
- the second arm 33 includes a third member 33 a and a fourth member 33 b.
- the third member 33 a of the left button 24 a extends from the front-left part of the button body 31 toward the front wall 7 b.
- the distal part of the third member 33 a is bent toward the right wall 7 d.
- the fourth member 33 b of the left button 24 a extends from the front-right part of the button body 31 toward the front wall 7 b.
- the distal part of the fourth member 33 b is bent toward the left wall 7 c .
- the second arm 33 extends in a line which crosses a line that extends from the center of the left button 24 a toward the first arm 32 .
- the third member 33 a and the fourth member 33 b are coupled at their distal ends.
- the junction between the third and fourth members 32 a and 32 b is a second fastening part 33 c.
- the second fastening part 33 c is a little thicker than the third and fourth members 33 a and 33 b and includes a second through hole 33 d in its center part.
- the fourth member 33 b of the left button 24 a and the fourth member 33 b of the right button 24 b are coupled to each other, forming an integral component.
- the junction between the left and right buttons 24 a and 24 b includes a U-notch 33 e.
- the rim of this notch 33 e curves along the circumference of the position-adjusting boss 17 mentioned above.
- the first and second support projections 20 and 21 are inserted in the first and second through holes 32 d and 33 d , respectively.
- the left and right buttons 24 a and 24 b are secured to the left and right button mounting sections 16 a and 16 b, respectively.
- the junction of the left and right buttons 24 a and 24 b abuts on the position-adjusting boss 17 , with the boss 17 fitted in the notch 33 e.
- the left and right buttons 24 a and 24 b are therefore adjusted in position.
- first and second support projections 20 and 21 are inserted into the first and second through holes 32 d and 33 d, they are fused to the first and second fastening parts 32 c and 33 c , respectively.
- the first arm 32 is thereby secured at one end portion to the first support projection 20 .
- the first arm 32 is supported by the housing 7 .
- the second arm 33 is secured at one end portion to the second support projection 21 , and the second arm 33 is therefore supported by the housing 7 .
- the button body 31 is supported by the first and second arms 32 and 33 and held by the housing 7 . Since the button body 31 and the arms 32 and 33 have elasticity, the button body 31 can move between a position where it is spaced from the switches 25 a and 25 b and another position where it contacts the switches 25 a and 25 b . When pushed by the user, the button body 31 moves, contacting the switches 25 a and 25 b. The switches 25 a and 25 b are thereby operated.
- the first to fourth members 32 a, 32 b, 33 a and 33 b include a curved part 34 .
- the curved part 34 is bent in the direction of height of the housing 7 . Since the members 32 a, 32 b, 33 a and 33 b include a curved part 34 , the first and second arms 32 and 33 are more elastic than otherwise.
- the housing 7 contains the left and right switches 25 a and 25 b.
- the left and right switches 25 a and 25 b are arranged below, and aligned with, the left and right buttons 24 a and 24 b , respectively.
- the left and right buttons 24 a and 24 b are provided in the housing 7 and opposed to the switches 25 a and 25 b to operate them.
- the left and right switches 25 a and 25 b are of a contact type and include a switch body 41 and a switch top 42 .
- the switch top 42 can move with respect to the switch body 41 .
- Each of the left and right switches 25 a and 25 b is operated when the switch top 42 moves toward the switch body 41 .
- the left switch 25 a lies below, and is aligned with, the pushing projection 31 c of the left button 24 a. That is, the left switch 25 a is positioned off the center A of the button body 31 by distance s 1 toward the right wall 7 d in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 , and positioned off the center A by distance s 2 toward the rear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of the housing 7 .
- the left switch 25 a is arranged farther from the first support projection 20 of the left button mounting section 16 a than from the center A of the button body 31 , and also farther from the second support projection 21 than the center A of the button body 31 .
- the left switch 25 a faces that part of the button body 31 which moves down more than the center A as the user depresses the left button 24 a.
- the left switch 25 a is positioned off the center A of the left button 24 a not only in a direction which separates from the first arm 32 , but also in a direction which separates from the second arm 33 .
- the right switch 25 b lies below, and is aligned with, the pushing projection 31 c of the right button 24 b. That is, the right switch 25 b is positioned off the center A of the button body 31 by distance s 1 toward the left wall 7 c in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 , and positioned off the center A by distance s 2 toward the rear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of the housing 7 .
- the right switch 25 b is arranged farther from the first support projection 20 of the right button mounting section 16 b than from the center A of the button body 31 , and also farther from the second support projection 21 than the center A of the button body 31 .
- the right switch 25 b faces that part of the button body 31 which moves down more than the center A as the user depresses the right button 24 b.
- the right switch 25 b is positioned off the center A of the right button 24 b not only in a direction which separates from the first arm 32 , but also in a direction which separates from the second arm 33 .
- the left and right switches 25 a and 25 b lie, each at the midpoint between the rear edge of the second opening 15 and a line passing through the center A of the second opening 15 and extending in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 .
- the left and right switches 25 a and 25 b lie, for example, each at the midpoint between the edge of the button body 31 and the center A thereof.
- the left and right switches 25 a and 25 b are mounted on the first circuit board 26 .
- the first circuit board 26 is electrically connected to the second circuit board 27 and is electrically connected to a main circuit board (not shown).
- FIG. 6 schematically shows the positional relation between the left button 24 a, the left switch 25 a and the first support projection 20 .
- the left button 24 a, the left switch 25 a and the second support projection 21 have a similar positional relation.
- the right button 24 b, the right switch 25 b and the first support projection 20 have a similar positional relation.
- the right button 24 b, the right switch 25 b and the second support projection 21 have a similar relation.
- the button 24 a is a kind of cantilever that is held at one end portion by the support projection 20 . It can move toward and away from the switch 25 a.
- FIG. 7 shows the button 24 a that the user pushes at an edge part 51 of button body 31 that is not coupled to the arm 32 .
- the button 24 a moves toward the switch 25 a because of its elasticity.
- the switch body 41 generates a signal indicating that the button 24 b has been pushed.
- FIG. 8 shows the button 24 a that the user pushes at the center part 52 of button body 31 .
- the button 24 a moves toward the switch 25 a, in the same manner as when the user pushes an edge part 51 of the button body 31 .
- the switch body 41 generates a signal indicating that the button 24 b has been pushed.
- the switches 25 a and 25 b can be easily turned on even if the user pushes the button body 31 at any edge part. This increases the operability of the buttons 24 a and 24 b.
- FIG. 11 schematically depicts a switch 25 a that aligned with the center of the button body 31 and that is pushed at an edge part which is not coupled to the arm 32 .
- This edge part is the distal end of a cantilever. It can therefore move down more readily than the center part of the button body 31 .
- the center part of the button body 31 does not move so much to contact the switch 25 a.
- the switch 25 is not operated as desired.
- the switch 25 a is not operated unless an edge part is pushed by a longer stroke than the center part.
- the switch 25 a is positioned, by design, off the center A of the button body 31 . Namely, the switch 25 a is spaced from the support projection 20 (i.e., fulcrum), with respect to the center A of the button body 31 .
- the switch 25 a is operated even if the user depresses the edge part 51 of the button body 31 as shown in FIG. 7 , provided that the button body 31 moves a distance as long as the distance between the button body 31 and the switch 25 a.
- the switch 25 is operated if the button body 31 moves a distance between it and the switch 25 a.
- the switch 25 a acts as a fulcrum that supports the button 24 a.
- the button 24 a is therefore a so-called dual beam, supported at both ends by the support projection 20 and the switch 25 a . Since the button 24 is supported at both ends, it will not greatly bend when the center part 52 of the button body 31 is pushed, even if the switch 25 a does not lie beneath the center part 52 of the button body 31 . Hence, the switch 25 a can be reliably operated, whichever part of the button body 41 is pushed.
- the switch 25 a Since the switch 25 a is positioned, by design, off the center A of the button body 31 , the switch 25 a can be more reliably operated than otherwise, no matter which part of the button body 31 is pushed. In other words, the switch 25 a is operated if the button body 31 is depressed by relatively short stroke, whichever part of the body 31 is depressed.
- the portable computer 1 includes another arm (i.e., second arm 33 ) and another arm support (i.e., second support projection 21 ).
- the button body 31 is supported not only in one direction by the first arm 32 , but also in a different direction by the second arm 33 . Thus, the button body 31 is held stably.
- the switches 25 a and 25 b are positioned off the center A of the button body 31 in the opposite directions, toward the first and second support projections 20 and 21 , respectively.
- the second support projection 21 and the second arm 33 are provided and the switches 25 a and 25 b are deviated from the second support projection 21 , too. Therefore, both switches 25 a and 25 b are reliably operated even if the user pushes a front edge part or rear edge part of the button body 31 . This enhances the operability of the switches 25 a and 25 b.
- the switches 25 a and 25 b are reliably operated even if the button body 31 is pushed at any edge part, particularly because the second support projection 21 is provided in a line extending at right angles to a line that connects the first support projection 20 and the center A of the button body 31 .
- the switches 25 a and 25 b are positioned off the centers A of the button bodies 31 , each almost at the midpoint between the rear edge of the second opening 15 and the center A of the button body 31 . This also helps to enhance the operability of both buttons 24 a and 25 b.
- a portable computer 61 according to a second embodiment of this invention will be described, with reference to FIG. 9 .
- the components identical in function to those of the portable computer 1 according to the first embodiment are designated at the same reference numbers and will not described.
- two first arms 32 support the left and right buttons 62 a and 62 b, respectively.
- the pushing projection 31 c of the left button 62 a shifts from the center A of the button body 31 , by distance s 1 toward the right wall 7 d in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 .
- the pushing projection 31 c of the right button 62 b shifts from the center A of the button body 31 , by distance s 1 toward the left wall 7 c in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 .
- the left switch 25 a is positioned off the center A of the button body 31 by distance s 1 toward the right wall 7 d in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 . In other words, the left switch 25 a is arranged farther from the first support projection 20 of the left button mounting section 16 a than from the center A of the button body 31 .
- the right switch 25 b is positioned off the center A of the button body 31 by distance s 1 toward the left wall 7 c in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 . In other words, the right switch 25 b is arranged farther from the first support projection 20 of the right button mounting section 16 b than from the center A of the button body 31 .
- the switches 25 a and 25 b can be reliably operated even if the user pushes an edge part of the button body 31 .
- the operability of the buttons 62 a and 62 b therefore increases. That is, the switches 25 a and 25 b can be operated even if the button body 31 is depressed by relatively short stroke, at any edge part deviating from the center A in the widthwise direction of the housing 7 .
- a portable computer 71 according to a third embodiment of this invention will be described, with reference to FIG. 10 .
- the components identical in function to those of the portable computer 1 according to the first embodiment are designated at the same reference numbers and will not described.
- two second arms 33 support the left and right buttons 72 a and 72 b, respectively.
- the pushing projection 31 c of the left button 72 a shifts from the center A of the button body 31 , by distance s 2 toward the rear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of the housing 7 .
- the pushing projection 31 c of the right button 72 b shifts from the center A of the button body 31 , by distance s 2 toward the rear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of the housing 7 .
- the left switch 25 a is positioned off the center A of the button body 31 by distance s 2 toward the rear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of the housing 7 . In other words, the left switch 25 a is arranged farther from the second support projection 21 of the left button mounting section 16 a than from the center A of the button body 31 .
- the right switch 25 b is positioned off the center A of the button body 31 by distance s 2 toward the rear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of the housing 7 . In other words, the right switch 25 b is arranged farther from the second support projection 21 of the right button mounting section 16 b than from the center A of the button body 31 .
- the switches 25 a and 25 b can be reliably operated even if the user pushes an edge part of the button body 31 .
- the operability of the buttons 72 a and 72 b therefore increases. That is, the switches 25 a and 25 b can be operated even if the button body 31 is depressed by relatively short stroke, at any edge part deviating from the center A in the direction of depth of the housing 7 .
- the portable computers 1 , 61 and 71 according to the first, second and third embodiments have been described. Embodiments of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, nevertheless.
- the push buttons are not limited to touch buttons. They may be, for example, push buttons, for example, power-switch buttons. In embodiments of this invention, the push buttons may be of any type that can be operated when depressed.
- the switches 25 a and 25 b need not be arranged at midpoints between the center A of the button body 31 and the edges of the opening 15 .
- the switches 25 a and 25 b may be arranged near the center A of the button body 31 or near any edge of the second opening 15 .
- the arm supports may be provided at any positions, not on the housing, if they can hold the buttons 24 a and 24 b.
- Electronic apparatuses to which this invention can be applied are not limited to portable computers. They may be, for example, mobile telephones, digital cameras, video cameras, personal digital assistants, and similar apparatuses.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Mathematical Physics (AREA)
- Rotary Switch, Piano Key Switch, And Lever Switch (AREA)
- Push-Button Switches (AREA)
- Input From Keyboards Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a housing including an opening; a first button provided for the opening; a second button provided for the opening; a first switch provided in the housing and opposed to the first button; and a second switch provided in the housing and opposed to the second button. Each of the first button and the second button comprises (i) a button body exposed outside the housing and (ii) a first arm which extends from the button body and is supported by the housing. The first swttch being closer to the second button than a center of the button body of the first button and the second switch being closer to the first button than a center of the button body of the second button.
Description
- This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/544,798, filed Oct. 5, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-370845, filed Dec. 22, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- 1. Field
- One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic apparatus, for example, such as an electronic apparatus, which includes a button opposed to a switch.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Electronic apparatuses such as portable computers are provided with push buttons including a power switch button and a click button. The push buttons are arranged in openings of an outer wall of the housing and can be depressed with the fingertips or the like.
- An electronic apparatus that has push buttons arranged in a small space is disclosed in, for example, Jpn. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2004-259537. This electronic apparatus has a housing, push buttons and click switches. The housing has a wall having an opening. Each push button has a button body and two arms. The arm has one end supported on the rim of the opening. The arm supports, at the other end, the button body, allowing the same to move. The button body and the arms overlap each other, reducing the space in which the push buttons are arranged.
- The click switches are arranged, each below the associated button body. Each click switch operates upon when it touches the lower surface of the button body as the user pushes the button body.
- The user does not always push the center part of a button body. He or she may often push an edge part of the button body, which lies remote from the center of the button body. Remote from that portion of the button body that is coupled to the arm, the edge part of the button body acts like the distal end of a so-called cantilever. Therefore, the edge part is moved down more than any other part of the button body. The center part of the button body is moved down, too, but little.
- The center part of the button body may not be moved down much enough to contact the click switch when the user pushes the edge part of the button body. In other words, each click switch may not operate when the user pushes the circumferential edge of the button body.
- A general architecture that implements the various feature of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention.
-
FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a portable computer according to a first embodiment of this invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exemplary plan view of the portable computer according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 3 is an exemplary exploded view showing the touch-pad buttons used in the first embodiment, which have been removed from the housing of the portable computer; -
FIG. 4 is an exemplary plan view of the touch-pad unit used in the first embodiment; -
FIG. 5 is an exemplary sectional view of the portable computer according to the first embodiment; -
FIG. 6 is an exemplary sectional view schematically depicting one of the button switches used in the first embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is an exemplary sectional view showing a button switch pushed at an edge part of the button body in the first embodiment; -
FIG. 8 is an exemplary sectional view showing a button switch pushed at the center part of the button body in the first embodiment; -
FIG. 9 is an exemplary plan view of a portable computer according to a second embodiment of this invention; -
FIG. 10 is an exemplary plan view of a portable computer according to a third embodiment of this invention; and -
FIG. 11 is an exemplary sectional view of a switch that lies at the center of the button body. - Various embodiments according to the invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In general, according to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus includes a housing and a button. The housing contains a switch. The button is arranged in the housing, opposed to the switch and configured to operate the switch. The switch is positioned off a center of the button.
- Embodiments of the present invention applied to a portable computer will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIGS. 1 to 8 show apotable computer 1, as an electronic apparatus according to the first embodiment of this invention.FIG. 1 shows theportable computer 1. Theportable computer 1 includes amain unit 2 and adisplay unit 3. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , themain unit 2 includes abase 5 and acover 6. Thecover 6 is secured to thebase 5 from above. Thebase 5 and thecover 6 constitute a box-shaped housing 7. Thus, themain unit 2 includes thishousing 7. Thehousing 7 includes atop wall 7 a, afront wall 7 b, aleft wall 7 c, aright wall 7 d, arear wall 7 e, and a bottom wall (not shown). Thetop wall 7 a supports akeyboard 8. Thetop wall 7 a is an example of an outer wall. - As
FIG. 1 shows, thedisplay unit 3 includes a display housing 9 and a liquidcrystal display panel 10 which is contained in the display housing 9. The display housing 9 includes an opening 9 a in the front. Theliquid display panel 10 includes adisplay screen 10 a. Thedisplay screen 10 a is exposed outside the display housing 9 through the opening 9 a. - A hinge device couples the
display unit 3 to the rear edge of thehousing 7. Thedisplay unit 3 can rotated between a closed position and an opened position. At the closed position, thedisplay unit 3 lies, covering thetop wall 7 a from above. At the opened position, thedisplay unit 3 stands, exposing thetop wall 7 a. - As
FIG. 1 shows, thetop wall 7 a includes apalm rest 12. Thepalm rest 12 lies in front of thekeyboard 8 and extends in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7. Thetop wall 7 a includes a touch-pad holder section 13, which is located in front of thekeyboard 8 and half way between theleft wall 7 c and theright wall 7 d. -
FIG. 3 shows thecover 6 turned upside down and illustrates the interior o thehousing 7. As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3 , the cover includes afirst opening 14 and asecond opening 15. As shown inFIG. 3 , the touch-pad holder section 13 includes a leftbutton mounting section 16 a, a rightbutton mounting section 16 b, and a position-adjustingboss 17. The first andsecond openings top wall 7 a and open to the outside thehousing 7. - As seen from
FIGS. 2 and 3 , the leftbutton mounting section 16 a includes afirst support projection 20 and asecond support projection 21. Similarly, the rightbutton mounting section 16 b includes afirst support projection 20 and asecond support projection 21. Each of thesupport projections 20 is an example of an arm-support, and each of thesupport projections 21 is an example of another arm-support. - The
first support projections 20 and thesecond support projections 21 are provided in thehousing 7. Theprojections top wall 7 a. They are made of, for example, resin, and are integrally formed with thehousing 7. - As
FIG. 2 depicts, thefirst support projection 20 of the leftbutton mounting section 16 a is located on the left side of thesecond opening 15. Thesecond support projection 21 of the leftbutton mounting section 16 a is located in front of thesecond opening 15. Thefirst support projection 20 of the rightbutton mounting section 16 b is located on the right side of thesecond opening 15. Thesecond support projection 21 of the rightbutton mounting section 16 b is located in front of thesecond opening 15. That is, each of thesecond support projections 21 of the left and rightbutton mounting sections first support projection 20 is spaced from thesecond opening 15. - The position-adjusting
boss 17 lies between thesecond support projection 21 of the leftbutton mounting section 16 a and thesecond support projection 21 of the rightbutton mounting section 16 b. Theboss 17 protrudes in thehousing 7 from the inner surface of thetop wall 7 a. - As
FIG. 4 shows, thehousing 7 contains a touch-pad unit 22, which is held by the touch-pad holder section 13. The touch-pad unit 22 includes a touch-pad body 23, a left tough-pad button 24 a, a right touch-pad button 24 b, aleft click switch 25 a, aright click switch 25 b, afirst circuit board 26, and asecond circuit board 27. - The touch-
pad body 23 is a pointing device that is operated to move the cursor displayed on, for example, thescreen 10 a of thedisplay unit 3. As seen fromFIG. 4 , the touch-pad body 23 is arranged below, and aligned with, thefirst opening 14 of thetop wall 7 a. Thus, the touch-pad body 23 is therefore exposed outside thehousing 7, through thefirst opening 14. The user can therefore operate the touch-pad body 23 from outside thehousing 7. - Each of the left touch-
pad button 24 a and the right touch-pad button 24 b is an example of push button. The left touch-pad button 24 a (hereinafter referred to asleft button 24 a) is pushed to operate theleft click switch 25 a (hereinafter referred to asleft switch 25 a). The right touch-pad button 24 b (hereinafter referred to asright button 24 b) is pushed to operate theright click switch 25 b (hereinafter referred to asright switch 25 b). Note that the left andright switches - As
FIGS. 2 and 3 show, the left andright buttons button body 31, afirst arm 32 and asecond arm 33 each. Thebutton body 31 and the first andsecond arms - As shown in
FIG. 5 , eachbutton body 31 includes atop wall 31 a andsidewall 31 b that extends inwardly from the edge of thetop wall 31 a. Thus, thebutton body 31 includes a recess that opens to the interior of thehousing 7. Thebutton bodies 31 of the left andright buttons second opening 15, with their edges extending along an inner peripheral surface of thesecond opening 15. Thetop wall 31 a of eachbutton body 31 is therefore exposed outside thehousing 7 through thesecond opening 15. - As is illustrated in
FIG. 3 , a pushingprojection 31 c is provided on the inner surface of thetop wall 31 a of eachbutton body 31. The pushingprojection 31 c is shaped like a cross and protrudes inwardly in thehousing 7. As shown inFIG. 2 , the pushingprojection 31 c of theleft button 24 a shifts distance s1 toward theright wall 7 d from the center A of thebutton body 31 in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7, and shifts distance s2 toward therear wall 7 e from the center A in the depth direction of thehousing 7. - The pushing
projection 31 c of theright button 24 b shifts distance s1 toward theleft wall 7 c from the center A in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7, and shifts distance s2 toward therear wall 7 e from the center A in the depth direction of thehousing 7. - The
first arms 32 and thesecond arms 33 will be described. Thearms housing 7. Only the first andsecond arms left button 24 a will be described here. Note that the first andsecond arms right button 24 b differ from those of theleft button 24 a, only in that they are laterally inverted in position. Note that the components of theright button 24 b are designated at the same reference numbers as those of theleft button 24 a. - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thefirst arm 32 includes afirst member 32 a and asecond member 32 b. Thefirst member 32 a of theleft button 24 a extends from the left-rear part of thebutton body 31 toward theleft wall 7 c. The distal part of thefirst member 32 a is bent toward thefront wall 7 b. Thesecond member 32 b of theleft button 24 a extends from the left-front part of thebutton body 31 toward theleft wall 7 c. The distal part of thesecond member 32 b is bent toward therear wall 7 e. - The
first member 32 a and thesecond member 32 b are coupled at their distal ends. The junction between the first andsecond members first fastening part 32 c. Thefirst fastening part 32 c is a little thicker than the first andsecond members hole 32 d in its center part. - The
second arm 33 includes athird member 33 a and afourth member 33 b. Thethird member 33 a of theleft button 24 a extends from the front-left part of thebutton body 31 toward thefront wall 7 b. The distal part of thethird member 33 a is bent toward theright wall 7 d. Thefourth member 33 b of theleft button 24 a extends from the front-right part of thebutton body 31 toward thefront wall 7 b. The distal part of thefourth member 33 b is bent toward theleft wall 7 c. Thus, thesecond arm 33 extends in a line which crosses a line that extends from the center of theleft button 24 a toward thefirst arm 32. - The
third member 33 a and thefourth member 33 b are coupled at their distal ends. The junction between the third andfourth members second fastening part 33 c. Thesecond fastening part 33 c is a little thicker than the third andfourth members hole 33 d in its center part. - The
fourth member 33 b of theleft button 24 a and thefourth member 33 b of theright button 24 b are coupled to each other, forming an integral component. The junction between the left andright buttons notch 33 e curves along the circumference of the position-adjustingboss 17 mentioned above. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , the first andsecond support projections holes right buttons button mounting sections right buttons boss 17, with theboss 17 fitted in thenotch 33 e. The left andright buttons - After the first and
second support projections holes second fastening parts first arm 32 is thereby secured at one end portion to thefirst support projection 20. Thus, thefirst arm 32 is supported by thehousing 7. Further, thesecond arm 33 is secured at one end portion to thesecond support projection 21, and thesecond arm 33 is therefore supported by thehousing 7. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 5 , thebutton body 31 is supported by the first andsecond arms housing 7. Since thebutton body 31 and thearms button body 31 can move between a position where it is spaced from theswitches switches button body 31 moves, contacting theswitches switches - The first to
fourth members curved part 34. Thecurved part 34 is bent in the direction of height of thehousing 7. Since themembers curved part 34, the first andsecond arms - The
housing 7 contains the left andright switches right switches right buttons right buttons housing 7 and opposed to theswitches - The left and
right switches switch body 41 and aswitch top 42. Theswitch top 42 can move with respect to theswitch body 41. Each of the left andright switches switch top 42 moves toward theswitch body 41. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , theleft switch 25 a lies below, and is aligned with, the pushingprojection 31 c of theleft button 24 a. That is, theleft switch 25 a is positioned off the center A of thebutton body 31 by distance s1 toward theright wall 7 d in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7, and positioned off the center A by distance s2 toward therear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of thehousing 7. - In other words, the
left switch 25 a is arranged farther from thefirst support projection 20 of the leftbutton mounting section 16 a than from the center A of thebutton body 31, and also farther from thesecond support projection 21 than the center A of thebutton body 31. Put another way, theleft switch 25 a faces that part of thebutton body 31 which moves down more than the center A as the user depresses theleft button 24 a. Theleft switch 25 a is positioned off the center A of theleft button 24 a not only in a direction which separates from thefirst arm 32, but also in a direction which separates from thesecond arm 33. - The
right switch 25 b lies below, and is aligned with, the pushingprojection 31 c of theright button 24 b. That is, theright switch 25 b is positioned off the center A of thebutton body 31 by distance s1 toward theleft wall 7 c in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7, and positioned off the center A by distance s2 toward therear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of thehousing 7. - In other words, the
right switch 25 b is arranged farther from thefirst support projection 20 of the rightbutton mounting section 16 b than from the center A of thebutton body 31, and also farther from thesecond support projection 21 than the center A of thebutton body 31. Put another way, theright switch 25 b faces that part of thebutton body 31 which moves down more than the center A as the user depresses theright button 24 b. Theright switch 25 b is positioned off the center A of theright button 24 b not only in a direction which separates from thefirst arm 32, but also in a direction which separates from thesecond arm 33. - In the present embodiment, the left and
right switches second opening 15 and a line passing through the center A of thesecond opening 15 and extending in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7. The left andright switches button body 31 and the center A thereof. - The left and
right switches first circuit board 26. Thefirst circuit board 26 is electrically connected to thesecond circuit board 27 and is electrically connected to a main circuit board (not shown). - How the
portable computer 1 operates will be explained, with reference toFIGS. 6 to 8 . -
FIG. 6 schematically shows the positional relation between theleft button 24 a, theleft switch 25 a and thefirst support projection 20. Note that theleft button 24 a, theleft switch 25 a and thesecond support projection 21 have a similar positional relation. Further, theright button 24 b, theright switch 25 b and thefirst support projection 20 have a similar positional relation. Still further, theright button 24 b, theright switch 25 b and thesecond support projection 21 have a similar relation. - The
button 24 a is a kind of cantilever that is held at one end portion by thesupport projection 20. It can move toward and away from theswitch 25 a. -
FIG. 7 shows thebutton 24 a that the user pushes at anedge part 51 ofbutton body 31 that is not coupled to thearm 32. When the user pushes thebutton 24 a, thebutton 24 a moves toward theswitch 25 a because of its elasticity. When the pushingprojection 31 c of thebutton body 31 contacts theswitch top 42 of theswitch 25 a, theswitch body 41 generates a signal indicating that thebutton 24 b has been pushed. -
FIG. 8 shows thebutton 24 a that the user pushes at thecenter part 52 ofbutton body 31. When the user pushes its center part, thebutton 24 a moves toward theswitch 25 a, in the same manner as when the user pushes anedge part 51 of thebutton body 31. When the pushingprojection 31 c of thebutton body 31 contacts theswitch top 42 of theswitch 25 a, theswitch body 41 generates a signal indicating that thebutton 24 b has been pushed. - On the
portable computer 1 of the configuration described above, theswitches button body 31 at any edge part. This increases the operability of thebuttons -
FIG. 11 schematically depicts aswitch 25 a that aligned with the center of thebutton body 31 and that is pushed at an edge part which is not coupled to thearm 32. This edge part is the distal end of a cantilever. It can therefore move down more readily than the center part of thebutton body 31. - If the user pushes an edge part of the
button body 31, the center part of thebutton body 31 does not move so much to contact theswitch 25 a. In this case, the switch 25 is not operated as desired. In other words, theswitch 25 a is not operated unless an edge part is pushed by a longer stroke than the center part. - In the present embodiment, the
switch 25 a is positioned, by design, off the center A of thebutton body 31. Namely, theswitch 25 a is spaced from the support projection 20 (i.e., fulcrum), with respect to the center A of thebutton body 31. - Therefore, the
switch 25 a is operated even if the user depresses theedge part 51 of thebutton body 31 as shown inFIG. 7 , provided that thebutton body 31 moves a distance as long as the distance between thebutton body 31 and theswitch 25 a. - Even if the user pushes the
center part 52 of thebutton body 31 as shown inFIG. 8 , the switch 25 is operated if thebutton body 31 moves a distance between it and theswitch 25 a. Note that theswitch 25 a acts as a fulcrum that supports thebutton 24 a. Thebutton 24 a is therefore a so-called dual beam, supported at both ends by thesupport projection 20 and theswitch 25 a. Since the button 24 is supported at both ends, it will not greatly bend when thecenter part 52 of thebutton body 31 is pushed, even if theswitch 25 a does not lie beneath thecenter part 52 of thebutton body 31. Hence, theswitch 25 a can be reliably operated, whichever part of thebutton body 41 is pushed. - Since the
switch 25 a is positioned, by design, off the center A of thebutton body 31, theswitch 25 a can be more reliably operated than otherwise, no matter which part of thebutton body 31 is pushed. In other words, theswitch 25 a is operated if thebutton body 31 is depressed by relatively short stroke, whichever part of thebody 31 is depressed. - The
portable computer 1 according to this embodiment includes another arm (i.e., second arm 33) and another arm support (i.e., second support projection 21). Thebutton body 31 is supported not only in one direction by thefirst arm 32, but also in a different direction by thesecond arm 33. Thus, thebutton body 31 is held stably. - The
switches button body 31 in the opposite directions, toward the first andsecond support projections portable computer 1 according to this embodiment, thesecond support projection 21 and thesecond arm 33 are provided and theswitches second support projection 21, too. Therefore, bothswitches button body 31. This enhances the operability of theswitches - The
switches button body 31 is pushed at any edge part, particularly because thesecond support projection 21 is provided in a line extending at right angles to a line that connects thefirst support projection 20 and the center A of thebutton body 31. - The
switches button bodies 31, each almost at the midpoint between the rear edge of thesecond opening 15 and the center A of thebutton body 31. This also helps to enhance the operability of bothbuttons - A
portable computer 61 according to a second embodiment of this invention will be described, with reference toFIG. 9 . The components identical in function to those of theportable computer 1 according to the first embodiment are designated at the same reference numbers and will not described. AsFIG. 9 shows, twofirst arms 32 support the left andright buttons - The pushing
projection 31 c of theleft button 62 a shifts from the center A of thebutton body 31, by distance s1 toward theright wall 7 d in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7. The pushingprojection 31 c of theright button 62 b shifts from the center A of thebutton body 31, by distance s1 toward theleft wall 7 c in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7. - The
left switch 25 a is positioned off the center A of thebutton body 31 by distance s1 toward theright wall 7 d in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7. In other words, theleft switch 25 a is arranged farther from thefirst support projection 20 of the leftbutton mounting section 16 a than from the center A of thebutton body 31. - The
right switch 25 b is positioned off the center A of thebutton body 31 by distance s1 toward theleft wall 7 c in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7. In other words, theright switch 25 b is arranged farther from thefirst support projection 20 of the rightbutton mounting section 16 b than from the center A of thebutton body 31. - On the
portable computer 61 thus configured, theswitches button body 31. The operability of thebuttons switches button body 31 is depressed by relatively short stroke, at any edge part deviating from the center A in the widthwise direction of thehousing 7. - A
portable computer 71 according to a third embodiment of this invention will be described, with reference toFIG. 10 . The components identical in function to those of theportable computer 1 according to the first embodiment are designated at the same reference numbers and will not described. AsFIG. 10 shows, twosecond arms 33 support the left andright buttons - The pushing
projection 31 c of theleft button 72 a shifts from the center A of thebutton body 31, by distance s2 toward therear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of thehousing 7. The pushingprojection 31 c of theright button 72 b shifts from the center A of thebutton body 31, by distance s2 toward therear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of thehousing 7. - The
left switch 25 a is positioned off the center A of thebutton body 31 by distance s2 toward therear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of thehousing 7. In other words, theleft switch 25 a is arranged farther from thesecond support projection 21 of the leftbutton mounting section 16 a than from the center A of thebutton body 31. - The
right switch 25 b is positioned off the center A of thebutton body 31 by distance s2 toward therear wall 7 e in the direction of depth of thehousing 7. In other words, theright switch 25 b is arranged farther from thesecond support projection 21 of the rightbutton mounting section 16 b than from the center A of thebutton body 31. - Also, on the
portable computer 71 thus configured, theswitches button body 31. The operability of thebuttons switches button body 31 is depressed by relatively short stroke, at any edge part deviating from the center A in the direction of depth of thehousing 7. - The
portable computers - The
switches button body 31 and the edges of theopening 15. Theswitches button body 31 or near any edge of thesecond opening 15. The arm supports may be provided at any positions, not on the housing, if they can hold thebuttons - Electronic apparatuses to which this invention can be applied are not limited to portable computers. They may be, for example, mobile telephones, digital cameras, video cameras, personal digital assistants, and similar apparatuses.
- While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.
Claims (19)
1. An electronic apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising an opening;
a first button provided for the opening;
a second button provided for the opening;
a first switch provided in the housing and opposed to the first button; and
a second switch provided in the housing and opposed to the second button,
wherein each of the first button and the second button comprises (i) a button body exposed outside the housing and (ii) a first arm which extends from the button body and is supported by the housing, and
the first switch being closer to the second button than a center of the button body of the first button and the second switch being closer to the first button than a center of the button body of the second button.
2. The electronic apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first arm of the first button extends in a direction away from the second button.
3. The electronic apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first arm of the second button extends in a direction away from the first button.
4. The electronic apparatus of claim 3 , wherein
the first arm of the first button extends from an edge part of the button body of the first button which is located at an opposite side to the second button, and
the first arm of the second button extends from an edge part of the button body of the second button which is located at an opposite side to the first button.
5. The electronic apparatus of claim 3 , wherein
the first button comprises a second arm which extends from the button body of the first button in a direction of crossing a direction of extension of the first arm of the first button and is supported by the housing, and
the second button comprises a second arm which extends from the button body of the second button in a direction of crossing a direction of extension of the first arm of the second button and is supported by the housing.
6. The electronic apparatus of claim 5 , wherein
the first switch is located at a position farther from the second arm of the first button than the center of the button body of the first button, and
the second switch is located at a position farther from the second arm of the second button than the center of the button body of the second button.
7. The electronic apparatus of claim 5 , wherein
the second arm of the first button extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction of extension of the first arm of the first button, and
the second arm of the second button extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction of extension of the first arm of the second button.
8. The electronic apparatus of claim 1 , wherein
the first switch is arranged at a midpoint portion between the center of the button body of the first button and an edge part of the button body of the first button, and
the second switch is arranged at a midpoint portion between the center of the button body of the second button and an edge part of the button body of the second button.
9. An electronic apparatus comprising:
a housing comprising an opening;
a first button provided for the opening;
a second button provided for the opening;
a first switch provided in the housing and opposed to the first button; and
a second switch provided in the housing and opposed to the second button,
wherein each of the first button and the second button comprises (i) a button body exposed outside the housing and (ii) a first arm which extends from the button body and is supported by the housing, and
the first switch and the second switch are arranged in an area between a center of the button body of the first button and a center of the button body of the second button.
10. The electronic apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the first arm of the first button extends in a direction away from the second button.
11 The electronic apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the first arm of the second button extends in a direction away from the first button.
12. The electronic apparatus of claim 11 , wherein
the first arm of the first button extends from an edge part of the button body of the first button which is located at an opposite side to the second button, and
the first arm of the second button extends from an edge part of the button body of the second button which is located at an opposite side to the first button.
13. The electronic apparatus of claim 11 , wherein
the first button comprises a second arm which extends from the button body of the first button in a direction of crossing a direction of extension of the first arm of the first button and is supported by the housing, and
the second button comprises a second arm which extends from the button body of the second button in a direction of crossing a direction of extension of the first arm of the second button and is supported by the housing.
14. The electronic apparatus of claim 13 , wherein
the first switch is located at a position farther from the second arm of the first button than the center of the button body of the first button, and
the second switch is located at a position farther from the second arm of the second button than the center of the button body of the second button.
15. An electronic apparatus comprising:
a housing including an opening;
a switch arranged in the housing;
a first arm support provided in the housing;
a first button provided for the opening; and
a second button provided for the opening and opposed to the switch, the second button including an arm and a button body, the arm being secured at one end portion to the first arm support, and the button body being (i) exposed outside the housing through the opening, (ii) supported by the arm and (iii) configured to move to operate the switch,
wherein the switch is arranged closer to the first button than a center of the button body.
16. The electronic apparatus of claim 15 , further comprising a second arm support provided in a line crossing a line extending from the opening toward the first arm support.
17. The electronic apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the button includes a second arm secured at one end portion to the second arm support, supporting the button body of the second button and allowing the button body to move.
18. The electronic apparatus of claim 17 , wherein the switch is arranged farther from the second arm support than from the center of the button body of the second button.
19. The electronic apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the switch is arranged at substantially a midpoint between a center of the button body of the second button and an edge of the opening.
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US20140104768A1 (en) * | 2012-10-15 | 2014-04-17 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Pointing device |
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JP4302099B2 (en) * | 2005-12-22 | 2009-07-22 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronics |
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WO2010119516A1 (en) * | 2009-04-14 | 2010-10-21 | 富士通株式会社 | Electronic apparatus |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20070144885A1 (en) | 2007-06-28 |
JP2007173111A (en) | 2007-07-05 |
JP4302099B2 (en) | 2009-07-22 |
US7544904B2 (en) | 2009-06-09 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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